Taking a broad look at Freeman’s potential landing spot

On Thursday, quarterback Josh Freeman became a free agent, able to join any other team. So where will he go?

Let’s take a broad look at every team that possibly would be remotely, potentially interested in Freeman. In no particular order.

New England Patriots: We mention them only because the Patriots seem to always be interested in buying low, if they can. In New England, Freeman would be the backup to a franchise quarterback, realizing that he wouldn’t play and quickly becoming a non-distraction. He’d be a great insurance policy against an injury.

New York Jets: Coach Rex Ryan told Peter King in 2011 that the Jets really liked Freeman and Mark Sanchez in the 2009 draft. They ultimately chose Sanchez because so many teammates showed up to catch passes at his Pro Day workout. Only two came to Freeman’s. And so “the immense respect [the Jets] sensed from the people who played with Mark and knew him so well” was a difference. But with the Jets unexpectedly competitive and quarterback Geno Smith coughing up turnovers and Matt Simms the best alternative on the roster, maybe Rex pushes for Freeman.

Cleveland Browns: They had zero interest in a trade, but that was before Brian Hoyer went down. If Hoyer ends up being out for an extended stretch, the Browns could be tempted to give Freeman a whirl.

Cincinnati Bengals: It’s early to extend a vote of no confidence in Andy Dalton, but if the team continues to struggle a spark may be needed. Freeman should be interested in the Bengals, but the Bengals may not be interested in him.

Tennessee Titans: Ryan Fitzpatrick was available in the offseason for a reason. With Jake Locker gone for at least a month, Freeman at least has to be a consideration — especially if Fitzpatrick struggles against the Chiefs on Sunday.

Houston Texans: Should they be interested? Yes. Will they be? Nope. The Texans had no interest in Peyton Manning last year, even though he was interested in them. Let that one digest for a bit, Houstonians. Your team didn’t want Peyton Manning. It’s doubtful they’ll want Freeman.

Jacksonville Jaguars: They have no interest in Freeman, even though he’s better than anyone they have at the position.

Oakland Raiders: They seem to really like Terrelle Pryor, but they have to be intrigued by the possible upgrade that Freeman could provide — for a lot less than what they gave up two years ago to get Carson Palmer.

Minnesota Vikings: This is the team, as we hear it, Freeman most wants to play for. But coach Leslie Frazier and G.M. Rick Spielman seem to be committed to who they have, whether it’s Christian Ponder or Matt Cassel. Unless and until Spielman says the Vikings have “no intent” to sign Freeman, consider him a non-option.

Green Bay Packers: Assistant coach Alex Van Pelt has raved about Freeman, and he’d be an instant upgrade at No. 2 for the Packers. But Freeman presumably prefers to play, not sit.

San Francisco 49ers: As in Green Bay, Freeman would be a great insurance policy in San Francisco. Coach Jim Harbaugh could get as much out of Freeman as anyone.

Kansas City Chiefs: Along those same lines, Andy Reid could do the same. The Chiefs have a lot invested in Alex Smith and Chase Daniel. But if Smith were to get injured, Reid likely would pick up the phone and call.

Other teams could be interested based on injuries or other developments. Which is our way of saying “if he signs with someone other than one of the teams listed above, that’s why.”

Freeman is a much better QB than the national media gives him credit for. Shut-up with the under 50% rate this year, his receivers were awful in terms of dropping passes, touchdowns, big 1st downs on 4th and longs, etc. Freeman took the team on a game winning drive against the Jets. Freeman moved the Bucs against the Saints in the final minutes until Schiano shut him down and played for a field goal (same thing he did against the Jets by the way). Even his game against the Pats wasn’t that bad when you see his WRs dropping TDs and 1st downs.

If Schiano isn’t such a dumb piece of garbage the Bucs beat the Jets and the Saints (both they lost on the last play after a defensive collapse) and certainly Freeman isn’t throwing multiple 4th quarter INTs against the Cardinals and he’s at the head of a 3-1 team. Instead Schiano is the biggest piece of trash on the planet (now that Saddam and Osama are dead anyways) blows multiple leads in the 4th quarter and then he tries to dump it all on Freeman.

Freeman will go on to have an NFL career. Schiano will not.

detectivejimmymcnulty says:Oct 3, 2013 10:13 PM

. In New England, Freeman would be the backup to a franchise quarterback, realizing that he wouldn’t play and quickly becoming a non-distraction. He’d be a great insurance policy against an injury.

As a long time Raider fan, I wouldn’t mind seeing this kid in Silver & Black. He has a lot more upside than Matt. I say cut our losses with Flynn (even though we would have to bite the $$ bullet) However, I doubt that Freeman would opt for a backup position. That just my 2 cents ….

Brian Hoyer is suspected to have torn ligaments in his right knee. I think Freeman will be the Browns starting quarterback after this game because 1) We all know Weeden sucks and 2) Freeman is only 25 and has upside

Well, that’s almost half of the league listed, glad we could narrow it down.

Let’s forget about teams like Jacksonville who appear to be tanking the season for a chance to draft Teddy Bridgewater and focus on the three teams that make the most sense:

1. Cleveland Browns: wide open division, Hoyer may be lost for the season and Weeden is atrocious. The Hoyer injury shoots them to number one on the list.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Freeman’s hometown, Andy Reid is great at developing QB’s, Alex Smith is the consummate professional who won’t pull a Freeman if/when Freeman comes back home.

3. Minnesota Vikings: dome team with some intriguing weapons, including the best RB in the league in Adrian Peterson. This team likely makes the most sense but for some reason the current regime is still committed to the mediocre Christian Ponder.

Either Schiano is a complete dummy for throwing away a starting calibre quarterback, or Freeman is a pain that no decent team needs. I don’t want him on my city’s team, we have already done one reclaimation project, and that is enough for me. Maybe he will end up on the Island of Misfit Toys in Oakland.

Hey tool, how come none of this is coming from the players and we only started to hear this from coaches when they were trying to get him to act out so they could void is contract? Again, if he’s such a cancer why isn’t there a single current or former player saying anything but good things about him?

Yeah it is one thing for a coach to make a nice compliment but yet another to give him a job. Like Tebow, he maybe should for the Canadian Football League. Pay his dues like Warren Moon or Doug Flutie and not because writers deign him as a franchise quarterback and the rest of us, buy into that.

Freeman is a mediocre QB at best. He reminds me of David Garrard of the Jags. He produced a little bit, showed a few flashes, never played big, never carried the team, but was given every possible opportunity because of the color of his skin.

Schiano is doing a poor job but he would look a lot better if his QB was over 45% Don’t give me drop excuses, every team has them. Don’t give me that he put them in the lead because he played like crap almost the entire game. He has been inaccurate and a poor reader of defenses his entire career under 3 different QB coaches. He stunk up the joint in Raheem’s last year.

Look at the tapes and look at his current photos in street clothes and then you decide. The kid needs help before he can be back in the NFL. Fix the mam first and then you may be able to fix the football player.

Here are a few things to consider about those who are familiar with Freeman. He may land with someone he knows well after being involved with the Mickey Mouse Club in Tampa. That would also help him adjust and be ready to perform for a new team. After this mess connections count.

– Greg Olsen, his former Offensive Coordinator with Tampa Bay is now the Offensive Coordinator with the Oakland Raiders. He is a true QB guru.

– His former QB backs coach Alex Van Pelt is now with Green Bay (Packers HC McCarthy coached Van Pelt in college at Pitt, amazing how people stick together).

– Saints future Hall of Famer Drew Brees (who is 34 and will turn 35 in January in his 15th NFL season) college coach was Greg Olsen, and the two are still quite close. Brees befriended Josh Freeman while Olsen coached him with the Bucs. Brees has been interested in his development. Consider that Brees is quite high on him. Many quarterbacks are high on working with Sean Payton, Pete Carmichael and Joe Lombardi too. Going to the Saints is a possibility. No one here in New Orleans thinks McCown can handle the offense if Drew Brees is injured.

Freeman wants to play for MIN the most? I want him to play for MIN the most too. Perfect. Lets make it happen Rick. Heck, if I had your job, I would’ve traded Ponder straight up for Freeman last week. Now you can get him for nothing. What’s not to like here?

He could play for his college coach, Ron Prince. Oh, wow, Ron Prince is back in college coaching, at RUTGERS. LOL

odessabucs says:Oct 3, 2013 11:20 PM

The wrong guy is leaving. Though Freeman has not done well this year and has been acting like a brat, it’s understandable. He has had multiple coaches and offensive systems since he’s been here. None of them to write home about.

Schiano doesn’t like him. I can understand Freeman’s frustration. Schiano coveted Glennon who he coveted as a a Rutgers recruit and lost out.

Hello Mark Dominik and Glazers ownership, Rutgers is a 3rd world Division 1 team. I’ll give you Ray Rice but that’s it. Schiano will go down in Buc’s history in the same league as Richard Williamson, Leeman Bennett and Ray Perkins. Come on guys after the Raheem fiasco you go to victory formation college boy?? !!

Josh Freeman I think will find good success in the NFL under competent coaching and a team organizational setting of they know what they’re doing. Schiano’s days are numbered, whether sooner or later. Probably the next drama event will be revolt in the locker room. If so he’s done.

It’s a Buccaneer’s pattern during the franchise history. Give up on QB’s and ones like Steve Young do better elsewhere. Much better !!

Why Raheem? Why Schiano? Don’t bet on the come. There are proven, veteran coaches out there, that get the NFL, who have been successful.

But perhaps that’s not an option, because of the Buc’s history as not a team “dedicated to excellence” and I do not like the Raiders !

How did Buffalo not make this list?! Did anyone else see what I just saw?

sddamewood says:Oct 3, 2013 11:49 PM

I’ve watched every throw Josh Freeturd has made In the NFL. For the most part I’m glad he will be playing for someone else now.

rick630c1 says:Oct 3, 2013 11:51 PM

Regards Houston Texans; you say they had no interest and didn’t want him. That’s not what I heard living here, they wanted him alright but there was no way they could afford him. They had to release their starting RT and starting RG because they couldn’t afford them. If they can’t afford to keep 2/5ths of their starting offensive line please tell me how they were supposed to satisfy Manning?

The Vikings short passing game relies on an ACCURATE quarterback with a quick release. There’s a reason Ponder is getting booed out of town. Cassel looks like a superstar compared to both him and Freeman.

Did you ever notice that the fondest desire of many NFL players is to play for the Minnesota Vikings?

It won’t happen unless Cassel or Ponder gets injured. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind taking a free look at him then, but don’t you think they’d rather just pick one of these hotshots coming out in the draft next year?

If Matt cassel were to go down he will definitely be in purple. Viking quarterbacks always get injured. They couldn’t keep Brett freaking Favre from injury! And he didn’t miss a game for what, 18 seasons or something?

Josh Freeman is done. Football is a team sport. He should consider baseball if he wants to play for himself, or better yet golf. regardless whether you are the QB, Safety or serving the beer in the stands – you must respect the man that pays your way! Who cares where Josh goes. He is a problem and no team needs that type of issue – especially the CFL.

even with an injury, KC is just not an option. they lack the cash to bring him in. if smith goes down, Daniel is called upon, and like it or not KC fans, Daniel is due too much money, dead money, to cut.

Some have mentioned different people around the league that have “ties” to Freeman might be inclined to bring him in. If THEY dont, guess what, he is who we thought he is…..

Yes, Schiano blew some games, but Josh blew those games LONG before the 4th quarter.

Yes, current Bucs players like Josh Freeman the person, but Josh Freeman the QB is not a leader. He has had 5 seasons, including this contract year to show something. He did a decent job playing QB in 2010 and even showed leadership during the 2011 lockout.

Yes, Schiano officially sucks. He is in total denial. Complete whack job. If he does not turn things around, he’ll be gone. The Glazers will give him some time to fix it, until they feel the need to make a hire before another team does.

Freeman to Cleveland makes sense. One year deal, league minimum. Freeman is getting six million from Tampa, so it isn’t like he needs to hold out for big money. Cleveland is, and has been, desperate for a franchise QB. With the way the season is breaking, the Brownies actually have a legitimate crack at the playoffs this year and with Hoyer getting hurt and Weeden being Weeden Freeman could be installed as a starter right away. Turner should be able to polish him up a little, Gordon and Cameron are reliable targets, the offensive line is pretty good and the defense is effective.

“So Freeman reportedly wants to land in MN? How much more evidence do you need to see that Freeman must hate himself and suffering from low self esteem. MN is the perfect spot. LOL”
Compared to the barren wasteland that is GB, MN is a utopia. And add the fact no player willingly wants to trot out onto the field wearing that neon yellow garbage of a uniform! The Packers took over the ugliest team position when TB got rid of that hideous popsicle orange. LOL

vikesfansteve says:Oct 4, 2013 11:26 AM

Yes Ponder bites the big one and Cassel made some lucky not to be INT throws but the Vikings put up close to 30 each game even with Ponder. The Vikings need 2 new corners, a safety and to move Henderson and either start Bishop at MLB or trade for one. Face it, Ponder is like herpes Vikes fans, we are stuck with that ugly truth.

jrmbadger says:Oct 4, 2013 11:41 AM

Rick Spielman is a Magician says: Oct 4, 2013 12:11 AM

Did you ever notice that the fondest desire of many NFL players is to play for the Minnesota Vikings?

================================
Don’t kid yourself Rick. The only reason he wants to come to MN is that he smells the weakness of your QB situation. Cassel looked good against a pathetic Pittsburgh team, but we all know what he is…. a perennial journeyman backup.

Now, the real question, is whether you will be booed out of Minnesota for continuing to waste the career of one of the greatest running backs since Barry Sanders?

“So Freeman reportedly wants to land in MN? How much more evidence do you need to see that Freeman must hate himself and suffering from low self esteem. MN is the perfect spot. LOL”
Compared to the barren wasteland that is GB, MN is a utopia. And add the fact no player willingly wants to trot out onto the field wearing that neon yellow garbage of a uniform! The Packers took over the ugliest team position when TB got rid of that hideous popsicle orange. LOL
————————————————————
So the best you can come up with is,”that neon yellow garbage of a uniform!” Seriously……………and I am not a Green Bay fan.

Potential landing spots? Lol you damn near listed every team in the league. I understand the “potentially” and are “remotely intrested” aspect in him but I was thinking of 3 maybe 4 teams tops. And I swear if the 9ers go and sign another QB or sign a player in any position other then a wide reciever I’m going to pull out my hair! The little bit I have left.

All this attention to a mediocre QB and there is an underlying issue to this and you all know who you are. It is disgusting and a waste of time. Why don’t we just go back to the Tiger Woods story if we want to obsess. I swear many of you have a mancrush and this because he will never a premier QB except in Arena Ball if that even exists anymore.

“So Freeman reportedly wants to land in MN? How much more evidence do you need to see that Freeman must hate himself and suffering from low self esteem. MN is the perfect spot. LOL”
Compared to the barren wasteland that is GB, MN is a utopia. And add the fact no player willingly wants to trot out onto the field wearing that neon yellow garbage of a uniform! The Packers took over the ugliest team position when TB got rid of that hideous popsicle orange. LOL
————————————————————
So the best you can come up with is,”that neon yellow garbage of a uniform!” Seriously……………and I am not a Green Bay fan.

—–

You can’t expect Vikings fans to have much ammunition. When they call “Ice Fishing Heaven” a utopia, all credibility goes out the window.

“So the best you can come up with is,”that neon yellow garbage of a uniform!” Seriously……………and I am not a Green Bay fan.”

At least I backed up my comment with a reason. Maybe you didn’t appreciate the post but have gotten twice as many thumb ups than downs. Just goes to show a lot of fans around the country think the same way GB fans think just b/c their team has won two championships in 45 years, they are so much better than the rest of us. Two in 45! Big deal! And you need to look no further than the cheap shots they continue to hurl at opposing teams. This poster was the only one making derogatory comments about another cities team for no reason. Had nothing to do with the article. Typical GB fan.

wolfmanpatriot says:Oct 4, 2013 4:41 PM

Freeman would be wise to take a job for the rest of the season backing up a top QB such as Brady or Rogers, or even one of those other 2 guys . Learn a few things, rebuild his rep by being seen and not heard (about).
Then, in the offseason, explore the possibilities.
I am thinking a team wont use a tag on a backup.

I hear that Joe. He even lists teams and says that either they would not want him or he wouldnt want them.
Just what does potential mean here? They are in the nfl? He’d a been better off listing every cfl team.😀

Did you ever notice that the fondest desire of many NFL players is to play for the Minnesota Vikings?

================================
Don’t kid yourself Rick. The only reason he wants to come to MN is that he smells the weakness of your QB situation. Cassel looked good against a pathetic Pittsburgh team, but we all know what he is…. a perennial journeyman backup.

Now, the real question, is whether you will be booed out of Minnesota for continuing to waste the career of one of the greatest running backs since Barry Sanders?
…………..
Pittsburgh had the leagues 4th best defense going into that game.

i10east says:Oct 4, 2013 7:19 PM

Ultimately the Buccaneers ‘landing spot’ will be Los Angeles.

holdsteady76 says:Oct 4, 2013 7:35 PM

I doubt it will be MN. TheVikings already have two consistently inconsistent mediocre qbs, and they don’t need a third. MBT has more value to them than does Josh Freeman for half a season, especially given a 1-3 start. Let Ponder watch Cassell from the bench and he might learn something. Ride the hot (really its luke warm at best) hand of Cassell until he flounders and then insert a determined Ponder. If you make the playoffs that means Christian grew up. If he doesn’t then you look to the draft and by then Freeman might be available again if you think you need a stop gap qb.
Although Freeman did thrash MN at the dome a couple years ago, and they might still have a man crush on him. The Vikings tend to over value players that way from time to time (Aramoshadu). But I think they will stay the course with Ponder and Cassell.

It would take Freeman a month at least to get up to speed with the play book, and he would have little if any chemistry with receivers because he isn’t going to get any snaps in practice and by then what’s the point? Unless you think he’s the qb of the future, but he’s not.
Freeman MAYBE better than Cassell but they are both in that middle tier inconsistent bucket of qbs. So again what’s the point?

“So Freeman reportedly wants to land in MN? How much more evidence do you need to see that Freeman must hate himself and suffering from low self esteem. MN is the perfect spot. LOL”
Compared to the barren wasteland that is GB, MN is a utopia. And add the fact no player willingly wants to trot out onto the field wearing that neon yellow garbage of a uniform! The Packers took over the ugliest team position when TB got rid of that hideous popsicle orange. LOL
————————————————————
So the best you can come up with is,”that neon yellow garbage of a uniform!” Seriously……………and I am not a Green Bay fan.

—–

You can’t expect Vikings fans to have much ammunition. When they call “Ice Fishing Heaven” a utopia, all credibility goes out the window.
——–
But, you have to admit, when comparing ice fishing to the “Drunken Cow Tipping Festival” Wisconsinites hold every year, credibility is restored. SKOL VIKINGS!